|
| Affiliation | Democratic |
|
| |
2009-01-01 |
|
|
| Name | Gwendolyn W. "Gwen" Mason |
| Address |
Roanoke, Virginia , United States |
| Email | None |
| Website | [Link] |
| Born |
Unknown
|
| Contributor | RBH |
| Last Modifed | Scott³
Oct 22, 2009 08:37pm |
| Tags |
|
| Info | A Virginia native, Gwen Mason’s family instilled in her from an early age the importance of public service. Her father, Richard L. Williams, has served for many years as a state and federal judge, and her mother, Eugenia Kellogg Williams, has been a lifelong advocate for public libraries. Gwen’s maternal grandfather served as Mayor of Falls Church and her grandmother was a nurse in World War I. Her paternal grandfather was a policeman in Washington D.C. while her grandmother raised four children on a farm and worked in local politics.
After earning a Bachelor’s degree from Smith College and a Master’s degree from the University of Virginia, Gwen worked with the Department of the Interior for thirteen years. During that time, she served as a senior manager to develop and protect America’s valuable natural resources. During her time at the Department of the Interior, Gwen oversaw a staff of 220 people.
In 2006, Gwen was elected to serve as a Member of the Roanoke City Council. She oversaw three, $250 million annual balanced budgets, supported wise capital investments in infrastructure and other projects, advocated for public education and libraries, and led the City’s Clean and Green campaign.
Under Gwen’s leadership, educational opportunities for Roanoke students have expanded through initiatives like the Community College Access Program which assures all qualified Roanoke students of a college education, and the Forest Park Academy which targets over-age students for graduation. During her tenure on Council, the Roanoke City Public Schools have become more efficient and increasingly streamlined. Her advocacy of educational excellence ranges from reading at the elementary schools in the city to her work to help raise critical funds as a Trustee for Virginia Intermont College, ensuring the school’s accreditation in 2009.
On City Council, Gwen led the effort to create a public-private coalition of twelve of Roanoke’s largest employers. This innovative campaign reduced damaging environmental impacts to the Valley, saving businesses millions in energy costs. These efforts have made Roanoke a leader in working with employers, not against them. Together, the City of Roanoke and partnering businesses have found cost-effective solutions, enhancing the quality of life in the Roanoke Valley and reducing costs to citizens and businesses alike.
She is married to Virginia Tech graduate Bill Mason, a Senior Manager with N.B. Handy Company, a family-owned commercial roofing and HVAC vendor based in Lynchburg. They are the proud parents of Grace, 14, and Will, 11. A wife and mom, an experienced public servant, and a proven advocate for the taxpayers of the Roanoke Valley, Gwen Mason has the vision, background and strength to be an independent and effective voice in Richmond.
|
 | BOOKS |
 |
|
| Title |
Purchase |
Contributor |
|
| Start Date |
End Date |
Type |
Title |
Contributor |
|
| Date |
Category |
Headline |
Article |
Contributor |
|
| INFORMATION LINKS |
|
|
|
